Brian Merchant's article/experience shows that: 1) the Internet is making us all nuts. 2) Cowards/haters hide behind computer screens. 3) The facts don't ever have to get in the way. In fact the more technology the faster the truth fades away.
We can be such machines and make such intractable decisions without looking at and thinking about the facts. It can be much easier for people to tell people how they MUST see them. And if you question them, well you’re not with us. You're with the terrorists. It pains me to see people jumping to a thoughtless conclusion before a conversation has taken place. Discussion and reflection on issues seems to be "so 1990s." In 2011, it’s all about who can say the most inflammatory statement first and the loudest... and get it up on YouTube/Twitter/FB.
But then I see other things; Facebook/Flickr photos of places that I’ve never been and want to go. Or people’s children and happy dogs swimming in inner tubes. Or thoughtful discussions about what how to help patients communicate better with their doctors.
And then hope re-appears. My point? Use social tools to draw people out and ask them what they think rather then telling them what they should think.
People can choose to give people the benefit of the doubt. They can make sure they've heard others before they speak and try to be heard. It’s not hard; it just starts from a place of common decency and respect for your fellow human being.
I'm just saying.
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